Ophelia Johnson The 2014 Goldwater Scholars from UAB are Bliss Chang, a junior with a double-major in biochemistry and biology, and Ophelia Johnson, a junior majoring in biomedical engineering. Luke McClintock, a sophomore chemistry major, received an honorable mention.

Chang and Johnson were selected from a pool of more than 1,100 student applicants. UAB’s two scholars are among just 283 students who received the award nationwide. The scholars were selected based on their academic achievements outlined in the nominations submitted by faculty members. To date, UAB has had 19 Goldwater Scholars.

The Goldwater scholarship program began in 1989 with the purpose of encouraging outstanding students to pursue careers in engineering, mathematics and the natural sciences. The foundation grants each recipient a scholarship for the 2014-2015 academic year that covers the cost of tuition, fees, books, and room and board up to a maximum of $7,500 per year.

Before he became Nashville’s hottest rising star, Sam Hunt first gained fame as UAB’s quarterback. Now, as he prepares for a sold-out concert kicking off #TheReturn of Blazer football, the 2008 graduate reveals how UAB helped shape his award-winning, chart-topping signature sound.

When Shana White graduates this August with a bright future in nursing, she will add a master’s degree to a growing list of firsts for the Bryant, Alabama, native who is also a first-generation high school graduate.

With one month to go till the return of UAB Football, what’s on the minds of Coach Bill Clark and his Blazers? History, family, and community, to name just a few. Discover how the team is preparing for a season like no other and how its resurgence could benefit all Blazer sports.

A group of writing students is scripting change in Birmingham, creating short plays that give voice to complex social issues such as homelessness, illiteracy and health disparities. Find out how the newbie playwrights developed their plots and characters, and learn how their work could have a lasting impact locally.

Calhoun Community College graduates can access UAB facilities, resources, mentors and counselors while pursuing an associate degree, and enroll in UAB with financial assistance when they graduate from Calhoun. Two graduates a year will receive full UAB scholarships.

Meet Jared Sluss, a UAB TrailBlazer, who leads tours on campus for prospective students. UAB students go through a competitive application and interview process in order to be selected as a TrailBlazer.

Why do some K-12 students — and schools — excel while others struggle? Socioeconomics, race and even nutrition can play a role, but UAB Honors College students are finding no easy answers for education inequality. Discover how the topic inspired them to partner with kids in Greensboro to help bridge the divide.